Early Google Glass Prototype Looked Absolutely Insane

Google Glass isn’t the most attractive future tech we’ve seen in recent years—that we can all agree on, even if we disagree about its potential functionality. However, it used to look much worse, according to Google’s Janine Gianfredi, who shared a picture of an early prototype from just three years ago. Instead of the weird cyborg look we’re familiar with today, Glass looked like a weapon someone might have worn in a science fiction movie. The components are literally worn by the user, as evidenced by the numerous wires coming out of the glasses. Technology sure advances quickly.

Consider how Glass looked to how it might look in the future. There doesn’t seem to be anything convenient about Google’s early prototypes, but the search giant has obviously managed to engineer something much more inconspicuous. Imagine trying to walk in public with the Glass of yesteryear. Without context, it would have likely scared quite a few folks. Bar patrons might not have been so welcoming. I’m not so sure Google would have introduced this version by demonstrating it with a skydiving video.

Since Glass is still in the explorer prototype phase, the search giant hasn’t really put much emphasis on the way the technology looks; it’s all about functionality right now. But that’s going to change thanks to a partnership with Ray-Ban and Oakley parent company, Luxottica. The more I stare at the picture above, the more creeped out I get. I hope that’s not the X-ray model.

Google has shown a lot of concern about Glass recently, first sending out a message to users about how to be a normal human, and then releasing another message about maybe-not-really myths. That’s neither here nor there, however. Just look at how Glass used to look. Look at the wearer staring right back at you, ear-piece in, wires looking as though they’re almost connected to his brain.